By Jody Campbell
Photography by: Rick Webster
2005 SEMA Off Road Show & Spring Expo
The world famous SEMA show in Las Vegas has separated the fastest growing segment of the automotive market into a new
event. Indianapolis played gracious host to first ever, 4-wheel drive SEMA show. While not as large or auspicious
as the Las Vegas-based exposition, the 4 wheel drive industry was well represented by the market.
Many new products were on display as well as some creative twists on existing products. While we can't show you every
product at the show, here are a few companies and products that nabbed the spot light.
From new suspension systems to thousands of accessories, there was something for
everyone. No matter your tastes, the hardcore rock racer or the weekend enthusiast could find it here.
The most exciting spectacle of the event was the SEMA Off-Road proving
grounds set up inside the Indianapolis Convention Center. A half dozen or so professional Rock Crawling teams were
on hand to test their mettle and prove that the products on display were used and abused in the most extreme of all 4-wheel
drive environments. The course was composed of two man-made mounds of rock that provided plenty of excitement for the
many on-lookers. While not as tough as the real courses teams compete on during the season, a few good stucks and some
winching proved it was a worthy test.
See pictures of the competition rock crawling at the SEMA
Off-Road proving Grounds
Allied Racing Wheels - www.alliedracingwheels.com
Allied Rock-a-thon wheels feature innovations specifically designed for the off-road enthusiast. From heavy duty steel to beautifully designed and super strong forged bead lock wheels they make something for every application and budget.
Northern Factory Sales - www.northernfactory.com
A relative new comer to the off-road market, Northern Factory Sales manufactures radiators for everything from stock replacement to V-8 conversions. With over 30 years experience in cooling, Northern has what it takes to keep your rig cool.
Diamondback Truck Accessories - www.diamondbackaccessories.com
With 2 fold-back panels and a 1200 lb load capacity on top, the Diamondback cover really is, "as tough as your truck".
Skyjacker Suspension - www.skyjacker.com
Skyjacker was on hand to display their new lift available for the Ford Super Duty. With many options and lift heights Skyjacker has everything to raise your truck to new heights.
T-Max Winches - www.t-maxwinches.com
A relative new comer to the American off-road market, T-Max has introduced a complete line of Off-road winches to suit your
4-wheel drive budget and needs. Everything from a 2500 lb utility winch to a 12000 lb pulling monster, with optional remote control, these winches are ready to shake up the winch industry.
Flex-a-lite - www.flex-a-lite.com
The newest and coolest product from Flex-a-lite is the T-Bar mounting system. This
ingenious mounting system uses a series of small aluminum bars on each side of the radiator to allow auxiliary
mounting of fans, and other remote cooling accessories, without mounting through the fins. As yet another added benefit, the
T-Bars also assist with overall cooling.
Energy Suspension - www.energysuspension.com
This product falls into the "why didn't I think of that category!?" These ingenious little polyurethane wheels are
designed to replace the metal wheels on your garage creeper. Now you can roll smoothly and not get stuck on all the
junk you never feel like sweeping up.
X-treme Gate Truck bed extender - www.xtremegate.com
This product is designed to add additional space to your truck bed, as much as 2 feet. The system mounts to the inside of
the tailgate, slides out, extends, and secures items that normally wouldn't fit.
Shur Trax - www.shurtrax.com
Just say no to sandbags, cinder blocks and sacks of salt when you need additional traction in the winter months. This
innovative new product is a large water bladder that can add as little as 100 pounds to a car, or as much as 340 pounds to
a full sized pickup truck. It can also be used to store water for extended camping adventures. The product is available for cars, mini
trucks and full size trucks. It is safe well below 0°F and can be easily stored when not in use.
Performance Steering Components - www.offroadsteering.com
PSC specializes in the building and modifying of OEM steering gears and pumps for high-performance off-road applications,
along with hydraulic assist and full hydraulic solutions. If you have a steering problem these guys have the answer.
Fab-Tech - www.fabtechmotorsports.com
FabTech had all of their latest, greatest wares on display including the newest Jeep TJ suspension and a sneak peek at the new Ford Super Duty system, including the "monster" coil-over's for the front.
Missouri Offroad Outfitters - www.mo-offroad.com
A relatively new company to the Industry, these guys have created the perfect solution for increasing housing
strength, eliminating spring wrap and drive shaft bind. They also carry a complete line of Rock Bruiser
diff covers.
Roll-n-lock - www.rollnlock.com
Roll-n-lock introduced the new Cargo Manager System designed to secure your truck bed and manage the cargo in it.
The sliding cargo divider can be moved to virtually any position to handle any size cargo. The rolling cover
only takes up 7" of bed space and locks to keep your valuables safe.
Agri-cover - www.accesscover.com
The newest product from Agri-cover is the Lorado series Access Roll-Up cover. It features a lower profile than the original and a new front element seal. With the same quality components and aluminum construction this new cover should prove to be even better than the first.
PIAA - www.piaa.com
PIAA USA has entered the wheel market with a great new line of wheels for SUV's. PIAA also introduced a wiper
blade system to compliment their already great lighting systems.
Bestop - www.bestop.com
Bestop's newest product is the canvas truck cap. With the same quality construction found in all Bestop soft tops,
this cover is sure to last a lifetime. We also spied a new electrically controlled, retractable step system (see the first picture).
|